The Government is empowering New Zealand\u2019s horticulture sector with greater land use flexibility, enabling innovation and sustainable productivity, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.<\/p>\n
\u201cGreater land use flexibility results in prosperity through productivity, and enabling that is part of this Government\u2019s commitment to fixing the basics and building the future,\u201d Mr McClay says.<\/p>\n
\u201cMore than 50,000 Kiwis work in horticulture, a sector that contributes $8.8 billion in export revenue \u2013 supporting regional economies and jobs.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis National-led Government is committed to backing farmers and growers, including through a suite of sensible regulatory reform and cutting of red tape and costs, combined with the latest science and technology – providing the opportunity for strong returns with a smaller environmental impact.\u201d<\/p>\n
Leveraging this, the Government is partnering with industry by investing $19.14 million in a five-year commercial project that aims to unlock greater value from kiwifruit orchards by integrating on-orchard innovation, advanced decision-support tools, and new science.<\/p>\n
It focuses on increasing yields, improving fruit quality, and using water and nutrients more efficiently while reducing environmental impact, and is expected to lift national kiwifruit tray volumes and export sales to $7.9 billion by 2035\/36, with a total implied economic impact of about $15.8 billion.<\/p>\n
\u201cLand use flexibility is about backing kiwi farmers and growers to feed the world.\u201d<\/p>\n
This work is funded in partnership with Zespri and New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated for a total project cost of $47.87 million.<\/p>\n
\u201cData and information from this and similar projects will be shared with farmers and growers to give them further confidence to innovate and grow their businesses – supporting a more productive and responsive sector that is better positioned to feed New Zealand and the world.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe primary industries are the backbone of this economy and the lifeblood of rural communities. Supporting their success is a priority for this Government.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Government is empowering New Zealand\u2019s horticulture 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